Steps to Modify Hotkey for Launching ChatGPT on Windows

Essential Information

• The primary shortcut to initiate ChatGPT on Windows is Alt+Space.
• To modify this shortcut, navigate to the ChatGPT app > your profile icon > Settings > App > Companion window hotkey.
• You have the flexibility to select any shortcut that begins with ‘Shift’, ‘Ctrl’, ‘Alt’, or ‘Win’.

The launch of the ChatGPT application for Windows, now accessible to all users, marks a significant achievement for OpenAI. This app seamlessly integrates the full range of the chatbot’s functionalities, including ChatGPT Search and Advanced Voice Mode, directly onto your desktop.

A convenient way to open ChatGPT is through the shortcut Alt+Space. However, for those who utilize programs like PowerToys, this combination may conflict with existing shortcuts. Fortunately, the ChatGPT application allows users to personalize their key combinations. Here is a guide on how to do that:

Modifying the Shortcut for Launching ChatGPT

Step-by-step Instructions with Visuals:

Step 1: Open the ChatGPT application.

Step 2: Click on your profile icon located in the bottom left corner.

Step 3: Select Settings.

Step 4: Click on App.

Step 5: Locate the option ‘Companion window hotkey’ and click on the current shortcut to modify it.

Step 6: Once prompted with ‘Recording’, input your desired key combination.

Note: You can choose any key combination that starts with ‘Shift’, ‘Ctrl’, ‘Alt’, or ‘Win’.

Step 7: The new shortcut will save automatically.

You can now use this new shortcut to launch the ChatGPT application for Windows.

When using the shortcut, ChatGPT opens in a compact window. To switch to the full interface, click the “Open in main window” option located in the upper right corner, next to the close button.

It’s important to note that ChatGPT must be open (even if minimized to the system tray) for the shortcut to function. If you close ChatGPT from the system tray, the shortcut will not work.

Additionally, in the future, users with a Copilot+ PC may have the ability to use the Copilot key to access ChatGPT, which could be an exciting development. Until then, the current shortcuts should work effectively.

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Author: Egor Kostenko

My goal is to make complex technical topics simple and accessible. On this site, I gather unique and useful content that not only solves users’ problems but also helps them better understand the capabilities of Windows.